Joy Hernandez

Joy Hernandez is a Senior Program Manager with the Compassionate Education Systems team, overseeing their project in Santa Clara County. Joy and her team provide educational support and advocacy to juvenile justice impacted students pursuing their high school diplomas and higher education.

Joy has over 10 years experience supporting juvenile court impacted youth. Prior to joining the National Center for Youth Law, she worked at Fresh Lifelines for Youth and Arriba Juntos where she provided direct service throughout the Bay Area to youth impacted by the juvenile and foster care systems. Joy holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from San Francisco State and is currently pursuing her law degree at McGeorge School of Law.

When not working or studying, Joy is spending time with her young daughter, wife, and two dogs exploring restaurants and festivals throughout the Bay Area. She also loves all things food and dancing and is most likely to be first on the dance floor at any celebration.